Authorities in Colorado Springs detained more than 100 immigrants — allegedly in the country illegally — after a major overnight raid at an underground nightclub located in a strip mall,
according to the DEA.
“What was happening inside was significant drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes,” said Jonathan C. Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division, during a Sunday morning news conference. Authorities also seized several firearms from the scene.
In a surprising twist, over a dozen active-duty military members were found at the club during the raid, some of whom were allegedly involved in running security and participating in criminal activities, Pullen said.
Agents also discovered various drugs, including cocaine and a synthetic substance known as "pink cocaine" or “tusi.”
The nightclub had been under surveillance for several months, during which authorities documented drug trafficking, prostitution, and the involvement of alleged gang members from groups like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and the Hells Angels.
While it’s still unclear if gang members were present during the raid, Pullen said investigations are ongoing due to the large number of people taken into custody.
“Colorado Springs is waking up to a safer city this Sunday morning,” Pullen declared.
The raid involved hundreds of agents from over 10 federal agencies, including the FBI, ICE, ATF, DHS, and local law enforcement, according to the DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division.
Before entering the club, DEA agents announced themselves and issued multiple warnings, officials said. Inside, they found about 200 people; at least 114 were allegedly in the U.S. illegally. Over a dozen active-duty military members were among those identified as patrons or working security.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took custody of the undocumented individuals, while the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division took over cases involving active-duty service members.
Footage shared by the DEA showed federal officers breaking a large front window to enter the building as individuals tried to flee, only to be intercepted by waiting agents. Additional video captured the agents announcing their presence and ordering everyone to exit with hands raised — instructions were also issued in Spanish.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi later shared that two individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants during the operation, writing on social media, “Trump’s directive to make America safe again is achieving results!”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Army Criminal Investigation Division confirmed a joint investigation with the DEA but declined to release further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Former President Donald Trump praised the raid on TruthSocial, describing those targeted as “some of the worst people illegally in our Country” and warning of dire consequences if the Supreme Court fails to support deportation efforts.
Sharing video footage of the raid, Trump posted:
“A big Raid last night on some of the worst people illegally in our Country — Drug Dealers, Murderers, and other Violent Criminals… If we don’t win this battle at the Supreme Court, our Country, as we know it, is FINISHED! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, an independent, also commended the raid, stating: “Criminal activity of any kind, from anyone, will not be tolerated in Colorado Springs.”
Governor Jared Polis’s office similarly supported the crackdown, issuing a statement to CNN affiliate KRDO emphasizing the governor’s commitment to fighting illegal drugs and firearms.
This raid comes amid ongoing legal battles over federal immigration enforcement. Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court paused certain deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has pledged to investigate local officials accused of interfering with federal immigration enforcement — including recent charges against a Wisconsin judge allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant. Photo by Xnatedawgx, Wikimedia commons.